Naturenet: Northern Ireland Environment Agency

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is the largest Agency within the Department of Environment with approximately 800 staff.

The agency advises on and implements the Government's environmental policy and strategy in Northern Ireland.

protect and conserve Northern Ireland's natural heritage and built environment
control pollution
promote the wider appreciation of the environment and best environmental practices

Unlike the equivalent bodies in England, Scotland and Wales, it aims to promote and conserve both the natural environment and the built environment.

The service has undergone a number of changes as have most government bodies in Northern Ireland. These may not yet be over.